Chapter 43: A New Inn and a Curious Encounter

Hay blinked his heavy eyelids.

He rubbed his face into the soft feather pillow, then sluggishly pushed himself up into a sitting position.

A gentle bubbling sound filled the air.

Renki was preparing tea.

Though no fire was lit, steam billowed from the copper kettle. Hay flopped back onto the bed.

“You should get up. I’ve drawn a bath for you. Please wash up before your tea gets cold.”

With a soft clink, a teacup was placed on the bedside shelf. Moments later, clothes were held out to Hay, whose sleepy eyes blinked slowly.

‘I want to sleep more.’

“Master, my arm is going to fall off.”

Unable to resist the persistent urging to rise, he pushed himself up once more.

“Why are you up so early?”

“It’s not early at all. It’s almost noon.”

“Already?”

Hay’s voice, hoarse from sleep, came out raspy.

Perhaps it was due to his early morning training, but he still felt utterly exhausted.

“So please, hurry and wash up. I’m hungry.”

“Alright, alright. I said I’ll wash, didn’t I?”

Renki gently, yet firmly, pulled Hay’s arm, helping him up.

Pushed into the bathroom, Hay slumped his shoulders and let out a jaw-cracking yawn.

The bathwater, maintained at a steady temperature, was still pleasantly warm. As he shed his clothes and submerged himself, the water overflowed.

The water, warmer than his body, enveloped him, sending shivers across his skin. Letting out a contented sigh, Hay curled up.

****

The day after signing the contract with Stan, Hay moved inns. It was the Saila Inn, located directly in front of the Demonic siblings’ house.

The previous inn was quite a distance from their home, and Hay also lacked a suitable place for training, which prompted the move.

Initially, he had thought it was just like any other inn, with an ordinary house-like exterior. But he was mistaken.

The building at the entrance served as the reception, staff quarters, and offices (Annex 1), while the main building, housing the guest rooms, was accessed via an outdoor corridor leading from the back door. The inn’s grounds were incredibly spacious.

A room with two double beds and a terrace felt like at least 20 pyeong (approximately 700 sq ft).

There was a plush bed that enveloped his body when he lay down, along with soft feather pillows.

It boasted a teapot crafted with magical engineering, a storage box that functioned as a refrigerator, and mirrors in every room—a luxury typically found only in wealthy homes. The toilet and bathroom were also separate.

Unlike the foul-smelling communal latrines, the bathroom, fragrant with a subtle herbal scent, offered an unparalleled level of comfort compared to other inns.

Furthermore, the first floor of the main building was a restaurant.

They used excellent ingredients and prepared their food skillfully, making it incredibly convenient not to have to leave the inn for meals.

Saila, the inn’s owner, had reportedly studied magical engineering during her time abroad in Bnuneta. The staff proudly claimed this inn was likely the finest in the Eastern Continent.

Moreover, according to a staff member, the Demonic siblings had invested in and helped construct the inn’s facilities.

Lorelai, evidently possessing a deep appreciation for art, had reportedly provided significant aesthetic guidance during the interior construction.

The inn’s lodging fee was fifty silver coins per day.

Though expensive, he found it well worth the cost.

Without the hassle of ordering a brazier, the inn’s interior was kept warm by heating magic, and during cleaning, purification and cleanliness spells ensured the rooms remained immaculate. Soundproofing was also excellent.

It was worth every penny. Good. Money truly was the best.

He had ample money on hand anyway. If not now, when else would he indulge in such luxury?

He was suddenly reminded of Han Tae-hyun, who had died having only accumulated money. This time, he vowed to spend his money freely when he desired, even while saving, before he died.

‘Ah, is this why Lexa said I looked like someone destined to work myself to death?’

“Master, you haven’t fallen asleep in the tub again, have you? Your tea is getting cold.”

“I’m not asleep.”

‘It’s so warm, I don’t want to get out.’

Hay dawdled, then reluctantly rose.

He washed his hair, cleansed his face, brushed his teeth, then used spirit magic to thoroughly dry his wet hair and body before dressing.

Upon stepping out, Renki tapped a chair in front of the mirror.

He had already finished preparing to leave. As Hay took his seat, Renki brought him the tea, which had cooled to a perfect drinking temperature.

While Hay drank his tea, Renki combed his hair and tied it back firmly into a ponytail, much like a noble’s attendant serving their master.

‘My long hair is a nuisance. Should I cut it soon?’

“You’re all set.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s nothing. It’s my job. Oh, you trained yesterday for the first time in a while, didn’t you? How was it?”

Hay shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, training is always the same. What about you? It’s your first lesson today, aren’t you nervous?”

“I am a little nervous, but I’ll be fine! Though my master is a bit scary.”

“Scary, my foot. He’s just a grumpy old man.”

Hay let out a wry chuckle as he put on the outer garment Renki handed him.

Renki tilted his head at Hay’s words, then put on his own outer garment.

“You’ll be hungry after all that thinking, so let’s have a hearty breakfast. How about some meat?”

“Ugh, I ate too much yesterday, so my stomach feels a bit off…”

“Really? How does it feel off?”

“I just feel like I haven’t digested properly.”

“Is there any medicine at the inn? You took your healing potion early yesterday, didn’t you? Do you want to drink today’s now before we go?”

“It’s not that bad! I just feel a bit bloated, probably from nerves. I’ll just have bread and soup today!”

“Alright, then. You’ll probably be tired after studying, so maybe it’s better to eat dinner later. But if your stomach keeps bothering you, tell me, okay? It’s better to take medicine beforehand than to suffer through it.”

“Okay.”

As they spoke, the two arrived on the first floor and entered the dining room. Several guests were scattered throughout the rather spacious restaurant.

Most of them appeared to be wealthy merchants. Hay found a seat in a corner and gazed out the window.

In the expansive back garden, some guests were enjoying tea after their meals.

‘Aren’t those people cold, drinking tea outside?’

“Good morning, Mr. Styles. I’m here to take your order.”

A staff member approached and spoke.

Hay ordered the same menu item he had enjoyed yesterday, and for Renki, he ordered something light.

After finishing their meal and leisurely sipping tea in the inn’s well-tended back garden, the noon bell chimed. As it was time for his lesson, Renki began to fluster.

“Um, should I just go straight there? Is there anything I need to bring?”

“Gather your wits first. Why are you so frantic?”

“Ugh, suddenly I’m nervous…”

“There’s no need to be nervous. Just do as Stan tells you.”

There were no materials needed. They had agreed to borrow everything necessary from Stan.

Hay walked Renki to the front of the inn to see him off.

“I’m off!”

He bid farewell with remarkable energy, then scurried off towards Stan’s house.

“You’re going to fall! Go slowly!”

“I’m fine! Agh!”

No sooner had he grinned and looked back than he seemed to step on ice and stumbled violently. Startled, Hay’s body swayed forward.

Fortunately, Renki didn’t fall. He appeared startled himself, as he was seen patting his chest.

Finding the sight amusing, Hay let out a small laugh.

“See, I told you to be careful.”

Renki, looking embarrassed and awkward, still dashed towards Stan’s house. This time, however, his footsteps were noticeably more cautious.

When Renki knocked, the door opened. Before stepping inside, he turned back one last time and waved enthusiastically at Hay.

Hay waved back. A moment later, the door closed, and he was out of sight, prompting Hay to turn and re-enter the inn.

Having nothing particular to do, he intended to catch up on more sleep. As he passed Annex 1 and headed towards the main building, someone called out to Hay from behind.

“Mr. Styles!”

It was Lorelai.

She crossed the corridor, approaching Hay.

Hay’s expression stiffened slightly upon seeing Lorelai for the first time in two days. His gaze instinctively flickered towards her nape.

“Hello, Miss Demonic.”

“Please call me Lorelai. ‘Miss Demonic’ sounds far too stiff.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Do you happen to have some time? And have you had lunch yet?”

“Yes, I just ate. Is there something I can help you with?”

“No, nothing in particular. I was just hoping to chat with you, Mr. Styles.”

Lorelai smiled sweetly.

“Chat? Is it perhaps about Renki’s lesson?”

“Oh, come on. I’m not the one teaching Renki, so what would I have to talk about regarding that? Stan and I had a bit of a disagreement this morning, and I don’t want to go home. It’s cold outside, and Saila unnie is busy. I’d be bored drinking tea alone. Would you care to join me for a cup?”

Hay rolled his eyes and scratched the back of his head.

He had planned to go upstairs and sleep, but it felt awkward to refuse her.

What was the big deal about having a cup of tea? As Renki’s master’s sister, there was no harm in getting to know her. And though he had to be careful how he asked, there were some things he was curious about.

“Very well.”

“Shall we go to the back garden then? We can enjoy the snow too.”

“Sounds good.”

As Hay agreed, Lorelai grinned, then led the way.

Exiting through the back door of Annex 1, which housed the reception and staff quarters, they entered an arched corridor. Hay walked behind Lorelai, occasionally glancing at the back of her small head.

Shortly after they settled at a table in the back garden, a staff member approached. The employee bowed respectfully to Lorelai.

“Excuse me, Lorelai, Mr. Styles. Shall I prepare your tea?”

“I’ll have a jasmine tea, please. Mr. Styles?”

Lorelai spoke with a familiar tone, suggesting she frequented the inn.

“I’ll have the same.”

“Very well, two jasmine teas it is.”

Once the staff member departed, Hay looked at Lorelai.

Lorelai smiled brightly as their eyes met. Feeling awkward, Hay quickly averted his gaze.

He had sat down because she asked him to join her for tea, but now he had nothing to say.

Staring continuously at Lorelai also felt a bit strange. It was because she was gazing at him so intently, almost overwhelmingly.

Hay cleared his throat, needlessly adjusted his posture, and then looked at his hands.

He noticed his fingernails had grown quite long.

‘I should trim them.’

“It’s interesting,”

Lorelai remarked.

Hay lifted his head, his eyes wide.

“Pardon? What is?”

“Usually, when people first meet me, they ask all sorts of things, but you haven’t, Mr. Styles.”

“All sorts of things?”

“Yes. I am a little different from others, after all.”

Hay pondered the meaning of her words for a moment, then quickly understood.

She was referring to her noticeably small stature compared to her troubled legs and seemingly older face.

“Ah, am I supposed to ask?”

Lorelai chuckled, leaning forward.

“Usually, when I say that, people ask, ‘Then can I ask?'”

Hay subtly furrowed his brows.

“Does that mean you want me to ask?”

“Are you curious?”

“It would be a lie to say I’m not.”

“But why haven’t you asked?”

“Doesn’t receiving such questions make you uncomfortable?”

“What? So you didn’t ask out of consideration for me?”

“It’s less about consideration and more about how little time we’ve known each other. It would be rude to ask such a thing.”

“So you would have asked once we’d known each other for a long time? Like, three months from now?”

Hay simply shrugged his shoulders.

“You don’t really care about other people, do you, Mr. Styles? I bet you’ve often been told you’re indifferent.”

“Is that so? I’ve never been close enough to anyone for them to tell me that.”

He hadn’t known anyone for a long time either.

“That makes sense, given you’re a mercenary.”

Lorelai, who had leaned forward towards Hay, now settled back into her wheelchair’s backrest. Judging by her expression, she seemed rather amused.

“Still, aren’t you itching to ask?”

Lorelai tapped her nape, which was concealed by her scarf.

“You must be curious about the brand removal spell, aren’t you?”